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Umpqua Bank has donated $3,000 to support Healthy Kids Humboldt. The bank has donated a total of $14,000 to Healthy Kids Humboldt since 2007. Healthy Kids Humboldt is part of the local Children’s Health Initiative (CHI) program.

The CHI is a broad community coalition with representatives from DHHS, St. Joseph Health System, First 5 Humboldt, Humboldt Area Foundation-Union Labor Health Foundation, Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, Humboldt County Office of Education, Northcoast Clinics Network, United Way and the McLean Foundation. The group, which meets monthly, began in 2005 and focuses on children’s access to medical care.

The money from Umpqua will be used for premiums for children enrolled in CaliforniaKids. It is one of three medical insurance programs that makes up Healthy Kids Humboldt.

Children with insurance are able to receive preventive care and avoid more costly emergency room visits. Officials say they do better in school and improved health allows their parents increased worker productivity.

There are approximately 165 children enrolled in CaliforniaKids. As a result of the program’s outreach activities, there has been an increase in the number of children with health coverage.

photo caption:

Amber Patzlaff, left, and Rene Campbell, right, of Umpqua Bank presents a check to Susan Buckley, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Public Health director.